A Step By Step Plan For Lowering Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a problem that can be fixed, provided the person diagnosed is willing to expend the time and effort necessary for fixing the problem. Often, when a person is told they have high cholesterol, they feel overwhelmed by the options for lowering their cholesterol.

The best option is to develop a step-by-step plan for lowering cholesterol. While the following plan may not be the best for everyone, it does provide a good general guide to developing a plan.

1/ Talk to your doctor

The first step of any health plan should be a visit with your physician, and it is no different when the plan is to lower cholesterol. Your physician will understand your cholesterol levels, your options, and your current health status, and he or she will be able to guide you into making the best possible decisions for your health.

2/ Change your habits

If you are a smoker, smokeless tobacco user, or drink alcohol on a regular basis, you may need to change those habits. Smoking, for example, raises bad cholesterol levels while lowering good cholesterol levels. It will be easier to lower your cholesterol if you eliminate the habits that contribute to those high levels. Again, discuss this with your physician as there may be assistance available for getting rid of the contributing habits.

3/ Adjust your diet

Your daily diet plays a role in your cholesterol level. To lower cholesterol, cut back on foods and products loaded with saturated fat, such as sausage, cream, butter, lard and coconut oil. Instead, choose products with unsaturated fats, like fish, olive oil and nuts. Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains to increase your daily fiber intake because fiber helps lower bad cholesterol levels.

4/ Add exercise

Exercise not only helps with weight loss, but it also helps lower bad cholesterol levels. The goal behind the exercise routine is to burn 1,500 Calories per week, which takes approximately six hours of moderate exercise per week. Choose an exercise routine that you like because you will have to stay with it in order for it to lower your cholesterol levels. This is another area for which you should consult your physician. If you have other health problems, or have begun to experience the problems associated with high cholesterol, then your options for exercising safely may be limited.

5/ Natural herbal remedies and supplements

When working to lower your cholesterol, natural herbal remedies and supplements can be an effective aid. Many natural herbal remedies, such as garlic and fish oil, have been shown in studies to significantly reduce cholesterol levels over a period of 12 weeks. When combined with diet and exercise, the cholesterol-lowering effects are increased. If you are currently taking any medication or have other health problems, you will need to consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies or supplements.

6/ Prescription medication

For some people, prescription medication is a last resort, while other people must combine medication with diet and exercise. Which category you fall into will be determined by your cholesterol levels, but you should be prepared to begin a prescription regimen if necessary.

While your individual plan may differ from what is presented here, the steps presented here are an excellent guide to lowering your cholesterol.